Bid management
Join Wates and help us win new business as part of our brilliant Bid team. It’s fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding — a place where your career can thrive.
Join Wates and help us win new business as part of our brilliant Bid team. It’s fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding — a place where your career can thrive.

There’s no better place to build your career
Wates has just enjoyed one of our best years ever, and our Bid team played a key role in supporting that success.
It’s not just about writing bids. There are a huge range of roles from bid proposal managers to estimators, project management, graphic designers, building information modelling (BIM), 4d modellers and more. Once you’re here, you can also tap into opportunities across the group.
At Wates, we believe in actively identifying talent and nurturing it. We make sure everyone has opportunities to develop and take their career to the next level. If we think you’re 80% ready for that next step, and you’re up for the challenge, we’ll help you take it.

Help your career
Whether you’re an experienced bid writer, fancy a career change, or are returning to work after a break, we’d love to hear from you.
If you don’t have industry experience, don’t worry. In our bid team, we value a variety of transferable skills you may already possess, such as writing, attention to detail, project management, and relationship building.
That’s why our team includes people from diverse backgrounds, including law, education, and finance. What matters most to us is finding the right people with the right mindset to succeed.
Want to be a part of our team?
Site Surveyor
Location: London
Job Type: Estimating
Application Deadline: 27-02-2026
Are you looking to take the next step in your commercial career?We are seeking a committed and detail‑driven Site Surveyor to join our team and support the successful delivery of high‑value construction projects.This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in maximising value, controlling costs and driving commercial excellence across our projects.About the RoleAs a Site Surveyor, you will contribute to the development and implementation of pre‑ and post‑contract commercial strategies, supporting the Project Quantity Surveyor on large‑value or higher‑risk schemes.You will play a vital role in ensuring contractual obligations are met, commercial risks and opportunities are managed and profitability is maximised in a safe, compliant and ethical manner. The role typically involves commercial management responsibility for project values of up to £120m and may include supervision of trainees or Assistant Quantity Surveyors.You will also proactively promote SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality) requirements, identifying both good practice and areas for improvement.As our Site Surveyor, you will:Commercial & Contract Management Ensure contractual obligations are understood, executed and regularly reviewed with the Project Surveyor. Take ownership of subcontract packages, including tender enquiries, reconciliations and producing subcontract orders. Manage procurement processes and support production of final accounts. Assess subcontract valuations, issue notices, administer payments and support day‑to‑day subcontractor management.Value & Cost Control Contribute to the submission of external valuations and cashflow forecasts. Support valuation of change, variations strategies, loss & expense claims and final accounts to maximise project value. Aid effective cost control across delegated work packages and projects.Reporting & Forecasting Collate site records including diaries, marked‑up drawings, measurements, surveys, photographs and QA documentation. Assist in preparing cost value reports, procurement schedules, liabilities reporting, reconciliations and audits.Relationship Building & Communication Build strong working relationships with subcontractors, customers, PQS teams, design partners and internal stakeholders. Communicate confidently with commercial leads and project teams, including influencing negotiations with third parties.Risk & SHEQ Awareness Demonstrate an understanding of contract risk and commercial opportunities. Uphold and actively promote company SHEQ policies and practices.Personal Development & Leadership Support and guide trainees or assistant surveyors when required. Take responsibility for your own professional development, including CPD and working toward professional qualifications.What We’re Looking For BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying (preferred) or relevant degree/equivalent experience. Junior member of RICS or equivalent, or working toward professional status.Knowledge & Skills Strong understanding of payments processes, cost reporting systems and basic construction technology. Demonstrable commercial skills including value recovery, cost control and cash management. Measurement, valuation and analytical capabilities. Basic legal and contractual administration knowledge. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to manage your own workload and support others where required.What we offer: Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/
Site Surveyor
Location: South West
Job Type: Estimating
Application Deadline: 26-02-2026
Are you looking to take the next step in your commercial career?We are seeking a committed and detail‑driven Site Surveyor to join our team and support the successful delivery of high‑value construction projects.This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in maximising value, controlling costs and driving commercial excellence across our projects.About the RoleAs a Site Surveyor, you will contribute to the development and implementation of pre‑ and post‑contract commercial strategies, supporting the Project Quantity Surveyor on large‑value or higher‑risk schemes.You will play a vital role in ensuring contractual obligations are met, commercial risks and opportunities are managed and profitability is maximised in a safe, compliant and ethical manner. The role typically involves commercial management responsibility for project values of up to £120m and may include supervision of trainees or Assistant Quantity Surveyors.You will also proactively promote SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality) requirements, identifying both good practice and areas for improvement.As our Site Surveyor, you will:Commercial & Contract Management Ensure contractual obligations are understood, executed and regularly reviewed with the Project Surveyor. Take ownership of subcontract packages, including tender enquiries, reconciliations and producing subcontract orders. Manage procurement processes and support production of final accounts. Assess subcontract valuations, issue notices, administer payments and support day‑to‑day subcontractor management.Value & Cost Control Contribute to the submission of external valuations and cashflow forecasts. Support valuation of change, variations strategies, loss & expense claims and final accounts to maximise project value. Aid effective cost control across delegated work packages and projects.Reporting & Forecasting Collate site records including diaries, marked‑up drawings, measurements, surveys, photographs and QA documentation. Assist in preparing cost value reports, procurement schedules, liabilities reporting, reconciliations and audits.Relationship Building & Communication Build strong working relationships with subcontractors, customers, PQS teams, design partners and internal stakeholders. Communicate confidently with commercial leads and project teams, including influencing negotiations with third parties.Risk & SHEQ Awareness Demonstrate an understanding of contract risk and commercial opportunities. Uphold and actively promote company SHEQ policies and practices.Personal Development & Leadership Support and guide trainees or assistant surveyors when required. Take responsibility for your own professional development, including CPD and working toward professional qualifications.What We’re Looking For BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying (preferred) or relevant degree/equivalent experience. Junior member of RICS or equivalent, or working toward professional status.Knowledge & Skills Strong understanding of payments processes, cost reporting systems and basic construction technology. Demonstrable commercial skills including value recovery, cost control and cash management. Measurement, valuation and analytical capabilities. Basic legal and contractual administration knowledge. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to manage your own workload and support others where required.What we offer: Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Private medical cover Pension 8% employers’ contribution Health and Wellness programme 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/
Proposals Manager
Location: Manchester
Job Type: Bid
Application Deadline: 27-02-2026
Wates are seeking a Proposals Manager with the vision, precision, and creativity to craft submissions that don’t just meet expectations—they set new standards. In this pivotal role, you’ll shape compelling narratives that resonate with clients, influence decisions, and drive business growth.If you’re passionate about challenging convention, bringing fresh ideas to the table, and elevating the quality of every bid, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Join us and help create tomorrow together.ABOUT THE ROLEAs a Proposals Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our success story. You’ll own the end-to-end proposals process, transforming complex requirements into compelling narratives that showcase our strengths and resonate with our customers. Working hand-in-hand with the Bid Manager, you’ll craft strategies that stand out and submissions that shine.As our Proposals Manager you will: Lead with impact: Drive the proposals process from start to finish, delivering submissions that wow. Shape the story: Edit and enhance content, weaving in win themes and strategic messaging. Collaborate creatively: Work with specialists and designers to elevate every bid. Put the customer first: Ensure every proposal speaks their language and delivers a positive experience. Manage the magic: Oversee designers and agencies to produce high-quality, visually stunning documents. Own the stage: Support interviews and presentations with polished materials and confident rehearsals. Keep improving: Learn from every bid and share best practices across the team. Develop talent: Mentor and inspire those contributing to our proposals.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/ We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group. If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible. As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting